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What to Do if You Get Rear-Ended

The process following a vehicle accident can be overwhelming. You may realize that the other guy is responsible in most rear-end cases, but you may still be unsure of what to do if you get rear-ended. See the steps below to get a better idea of how to go about getting help and compensation for your crash.

Seek Medical Attention

In any vehicle collision, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt, it’s best to get a doctor’s opinion. Many injuries won’t be noticeable for a few hours to a few days after an accident. This is especially true of whiplash injuries, which commonly follow rear-end collisions.

Document Your Injuries and Accident

Whether you choose to file a claim with your own insurance company or you decide to sue the party responsible for your crash (this can only be done in serious injury cases), you need to document your injuries and your accident. This evidence will later be used to prove your case.

Speak with an Attorney

Speaking with a lawyer can be extremely helpful, even if you are only filing an insurance claim and using your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits to cover your losses. Insurance companies will deny cases on technicalities or try to give you a hard time—something they’ll be much less likely to do if you have a lawyer by your side.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Whether you’re filing a no-fault insurance claim or a personal injury claim, negotiating with insurance companies is part of the process of recovering compensation. You’re more likely to get a better deal when a car accident lawyer negotiates on your behalf.

A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Working with an attorney who knows what to do if you get rear-ended is almost certainly going to make your life easier. Rear-end collisions may seem easy to prove, but in many cases, the at-fault party will still try to blame you, potentially decreasing the value of your claim.